£1.2 million investment to enhance visitor experience & protect nature across National Park

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority’s continued investment in visitor infrastructure takes significant steps forward, with a range of improvement projects planned for delivery, working to ensure Scotland’s first National Park remains a world-class destination where people and nature thrive together.

This will see a further £1.2 million investment in the National Park Authority led projects within the Place Programme this financial year, an ongoing partnership programme of prioritised improvements and upgrades to some of the busiest sites across the Park, which to date represents a combined £4.4 million investment since 2021.

The latest phase of work sees major infrastructure improvement projects at Tarbet and Falls of Falloch, while proposed improvements at Balloch Pierhead move into design planning, following positive engagement with local communities and stakeholders earlier this year. At Rowardennan, work progresses towards delivery of the first phase of improvements at the East Loch Lomond site.

All projects are designed to deliver tangible benefits for the people who live, work and visit the Park, while also delivering vital protections for nature and climate.

Stuart Mearns, Director of Place at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “The Place Programme demonstrates what long-term strategic investment can achieve when national and local partners work together to deliver meaningful improvements at scale.

“These projects are about much more than routine facility upgrades. They’re creating improved, low-carbon infrastructure that balances local and visitor needs, restores nature, and ensures our most popular, often congested sites can be enjoyed sustainably now and for future generations – with visible improvements already underway across the National Park.”

Ken Massie, Head of Destination and Sector Development, VisitScotland said: “The Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund-supported projects at Tarbet and Rowardennan will improve the quality of the amenities for those visitors enjoying the beautiful surroundings and encourage exploring the area by bike.  

“These projects in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park are part of a strategic plan to improve visitor infrastructure and promote active travel throughout the park. 

“The Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund helps support the right facilities in places like Loch Lomond, to cater for the growing demands of both visitors and locals, and to ensure the best possible experience for all.” 

Tarbet

Funding from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) and BMW through National Parks UK has established the site as a sustainable travel hub with enhanced connections between road, active travel, water taxi routes – with rapid EV chargers expected in early 2026. New facilities include a cycle hub with repair station, covered parking, improved motorhome facilities, and expanded native woodland planting. Phase two, soon to get underway, will deliver a low carbon café building, refurbished toilet block, improved accessibility including a new Changing Places Toilet and Net Zero enhancements including Air Source Heat Pumps. Initial design work for Phase 3 is also progressing, which will include a new Loch Lomond gateway structure over the pier and an engagement park featuring interpretation and sensory elements to educate and engage on nature conservation.

Falls of Falloch

Construction is due to begin at the iconic Falls of Falloch, where rising visitor numbers have placed significant pressure on the car park and woodland paths, creating safety concerns on the adjacent A82 trunk road and damaging natural habitats.

Working with Transport Scotland through planning and technical process approval, the project aims to improve visitor experience and accessibility while managing the site more safely and sustainably. Additional parking and access safety measures are being put in place to reduce peak-time congestion and stop access for motorhomes and campers over 6m long. Path access improvement works will help protect the sensitive woodland environment, with enhanced opportunities for biodiversity restoration along the riverside. 

Rowardennan

Following completion of the Rowardennan Masterplan earlier this year, which created a long-term vision for the site, progress continues on Phase 1 with a new toilet block identified as the top priority for unlocking future improvements.

The facility will provide year-round amenities including six large toilet cubicles, enlarged accessible facilities, a new 24-hour toilet with baby change, sheltered cycle stands, e-bike charging, and a bike repair station. This work will be delivered in partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland and funded through the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

Balloch Pierhead

At Balloch Pierhead, the National Park Authority and West Dunbartonshire Council are continuing to work in partnership to advance designs for Phase 1 improvements following public consultation and publication of the Balloch Pierhead Improvement Action Plan earlier this year.

Phase 1 will focus on a new operations hub, improved pedestrian movement with better accessibility, and enhanced public spaces along the shoreline. The project aims to reduce conflicts between visitors and operational traffic while attracting more residents and visitors to enjoy the historic Pierhead and views across Loch Lomond.

The Place Programme continues to exemplify collaborative working between national and local partners, delivering on the National Park Partnership Plan’s objective to provide higher quality assets across publicly managed sites while delivering nature and climate benefits.

The Place Programme delivery partners The National Park Visitor Management Group (made up of the National Park Authority, Argyll and Bute Council, Perth and Kinross Council, Stirling Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Police Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland).